The D.C. Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to grant preliminary approval to a broad package of ethics reforms. Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., whose home was raided Friday by federal agents investigating his alleged diversion of city funds for personal use, was present and voted for the measure. Council members pledged to work on possible changes before it comes up for a final vote in two weeks. The bill would create an ethics board with the power to punish members for violations. It also calls for the expulsion of any council member who is convicted of a felony, although voters would have to approve that provision. Earlier Tuesday, the Council approved a bill that reduces the number of political appointments the mayor can make, requires that appointees be well-qualified and makes nepotism illegal in District government. — AP
